thermodynamics Hear it!

thermodynamics Definition

thermo·dy·nam·ics (-dī namiks)

noun

the branch of physics dealing with the transformation of heat to and from other forms of energy, and with the laws governing such conversions of energy

Etymology: thermo- + dynamics

thermodynamics Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • process: We develop a novel model using the thermodynamics of the processes involved.
  • transition: This suggests an alternative model of protein folding based on the thermodynamics of phase transitions in hydrogen-bonded networks.

Converse of object

  • study: I have been developing new methods for studying the thermodynamics of systems with long-range interaction.
  • include: In addition to his work on quantum theory, other areas of study included thermodynamics.
  • apply: Instrument development needs to be coupled to recent advances in thermodynamics applied to geological systems.
  • involve: Prof Passerini briefly discussed the major theoretical aspects of thermodynamics involved in energy conversion.
  • use: We develop a novel model using the thermodynamics of the processes involved.
  • associate: The coverage includes an introduction to electrodes and cells, to the electrochemical series and to the associated thermodynamics.

Adjective modifier

  • classical: A common example is the concept of temperature from classical equilibrium thermodynamics.
  • statistical: This is important in the statistical thermodynamics of solids.
  • basic: The basic thermodynamics related to these phase diagrams is explained.
  • advanced: The most popular site since January, receiving 179 clickthroughs in February was a tutorial on advanced thermodynamics from Brown University.
  • elementary: WOOD B.J. and FRASER D.G. " Elementary thermodynamics for geologists.

Modifies a noun

  • state: The first law of thermodynamics states that the amount of energy in a closed system cannot change.
  • school: De Donder, of course, had precursors, especially in the French thermodynamics school of Pierre Duhem.

Noun used with modifier

  • non-equilibrium: A voyage of discovery through many areas of contemporary physics FROM non-equilibrium thermodynamics to quantum optics in ORDER to understand the problem of life.
  • equilibrium: A common example is the concept of temperature from classical equilibrium thermodynamics.
  • chemical: Topics include: chemical thermodynamics, kinetic molecular theory, chemical kinetics, and statistical thermodynamics.
  • nonequilibrium: He was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1977 for his contributions to nonequilibrium thermodynamics, particularly the theory of dissipative structures.
  • hole: The three roads are black hole thermodynamics, loop quantum gravity, and string theory.
thermodynamics Quotes

A good many times I have been present at gatherings of people who†are thought highly educated and who have†been expressing their incredulityat the illiteracy of scientists.Once or twice I have been provoked and have asked the company how many of them could describe the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The response was cold: it was also negative.

—Snow, C(harles) P(ercy), 1st Baron